Intern Like A Pro - Making The Most Of Your DU Internship

Internship forms a critical juncture between classroom learning and real-world experiences. It forms a great way to attain hands-on experience, professional networks, and a set of critical skills during your stint at Delhi University. In this blog, we touch upon how you can make most of your DU internship experience, face challenges, and leave a strong impression. Want more tips, insights, and updates on how to make the most of your DU internship?

Preparing For Your Internship

A great internship deserves some great preparation. To get started, you will need to do some research about the organization that you will be interning with: learn about their vision and values and about the industry they are a part of. This will allow you to tie your goals together and can also demonstrate that you are truly excited about the job.


1. Clearly Establish Goals: One may unequivocally state what is being expected from the internship. Having clarity about goals will keep one motivated and focused if the goal is associated with learning any new skill, gaining more knowledge about the industry, or expanding one's network.

2. Revise Your Resume: Keep your resume updated and mention all experiences and relevant skills. Fit it according to the job position of the internship you get.

3. Practice Professionalism: Learn the ways of professional etiquette, such as how to communicate, dress, and behave at work. This sets a very good first impression.

Navigating Challenges

An internship, just like everything else in life, has its own set of problems. How you tackle them will make a big difference in your overall experience.


1. Be Open-Minded: Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. The internship would be learning experiences, and you may be given work or tasks which you would not be inducted into. Grab the opportunity and grow.

2. Ask Questions: Never be held back while asking questions. It shows how eager you are to learn and keeps your assigned work as crystal clear as possible.

3. Feedback: Regular feedback keeps you informed about how you are doing better and at what point you need improvement. Use this positivity to your advantage in improving yourself.

Enhancing Your Skills

An internship is a very good platform to develop and refine your skills.

1. Active Learning: Be proactive in learning. Attend workshops, training sessions, and communicate with your colleagues to learn from their point of view.

 
2. Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are all important to master. These are important in any line of work and will serve you well throughout your career.

3. Networking: Form good relations with colleagues and supervisors. Networking certainly opens up new avenues for the future and one gets insight into information that enhances the value of the industry.

Making A Lasting Impression

Leaving a positive impression can set the stage for future career opportunities.

1. Punctuality and Reliability: If you work consistently and meet the deadlines with quality work, that speaks volumes about your professionalism.

2. Be Enthusiastic: Show positivity and enthusiasm at work. Your passion and dedication will speak for themselves, and people notice that.

3. Follow Up: Stay in touch with your supervisors and colleagues once the internship is over. Sometimes, a simple thank-you note leaves a long-lasting impression and might connect you to a professional network.

Internships Offered By Delhi University

The University of Delhi offers a plethora of internships to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields. Students are given practical exposure through these internships so that they can develop employable skills as well. Application details, dates, and any other detailed and specific information may be obtained from the website of the University of Delhi or can be enquired from the respective departments/offices directly.

Attached beside is the link regarding the Guidelines for Internship, Apprenticeship and Community Outreach at Delhi University.

1. Research Internships 

These internships, which are open to both UG and PG students, let students work on existing research projects while being supervised by faculty members. The University of Delhi offers several specialized research internship programs, including the following:

(i) Vice Chancellor's Internship Scheme:

This scheme provides opportunities for students to work closely with the university administration and gain experience in various administrative and operational functions. The internships are available in different departments and sections of the university. You can find further details about the Vice Chancellor's Internship Scheme at Delhi University on their official website. Here's the link to visit and explore more: Delhi University Vice Chancellor's Internship Scheme

(ii) Research Internship At Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC):

CIC offers internships that focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research. Students get the opportunity to work on innovative projects and research initiatives. Check out their official website for further details. 

(iii) Summer Undergraduate Research Program:

This program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty members. It aims to promote research culture among undergraduate students. For further details regarding Summer Undergraduate Research Program, check out the official Delhi University website using the link provided.

(iv) Institute Of Lifelong Learning (ILLL) Internships: 

ILLL offers internships focused on e-learning, content development, and educational research. Interns work on projects that enhance online learning resources and educational tools. You can find further details regarding the internship at their official website. Here's the link to explore: Institute of Life Long Learning 

(v) Admission Support System Internship At Admission Branch, University Of Delhi:

These internships are offered during the admission season and involve assisting with the admission process, guiding new students, and managing admission-related activities. Interns work with the admission office and help streamline the admission procedures. Further Details regarding the same are available to explore at the official website of University of Delhi. Here's the Link: Admission Support System Internship at Admission Branch

(vi) DU Innovation Projects:

These are research projects funded by the University of Delhi, where students can work on innovative research ideas under the mentorship of faculty members. For further details check out the link: DU Innovation Projects

2. Corporate Internships

DU collaborates with various corporations to offer internships in fields such as finance, marketing, human resources, and information technology.

(i) Internships With Placement Cell Partners:

DU has a robust placement cell that collaborates with numerous companies across various sectors. Some prominent corporate partners offering internships include:

• EY (Ernst & Young)

• Deloitte

• KPMG

• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

• McKinsey & Company

(ii) Internships Through The Central Placement Cell (CPC):

The CPC of DU facilitates internships with various companies in sectors such as finance, consulting, IT, marketing, and more. Some companies that have participated in the past include:

• HDFC Bank

• ICICI Bank

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

• Wipro

• Infosys

(iii) Internships Through Industry-Academia Collaboration:

DU's collaborations with industry bodies and organizations often result in internship opportunities for students. Examples include:

• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

• National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)

(iv) Media And Communication Internships:

Students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication often get opportunities to intern with leading media houses and PR firms, such as:

• Times Group

• Hindustan Times

• NDTV

• Weber Shandwick

• Ogilvy & Mather

(v) Start-up Internships Through DU Innovation And Incubation Centers:

DU has various innovation and incubation centers that collaborate with start-ups to offer internships. Some start-ups associated with these centers provide opportunities in fields like technology, marketing, and business development.

3. NGO Internships

Students interested in social work and community service can intern with NGOs and non-profit organizations.

(i) Teach For India: DU students can intern with Teach For India, an organization focused on addressing educational inequity in India. Interns typically assist with educational programs, community outreach, and administrative tasks.

(ii) CRY (Child Rights and You): CRY offers internships where students can work on projects related to child rights, education, health, and advocacy. Interns may engage in fieldwork, research, and awareness campaigns.

(iii) Goonj: This NGO focuses on using urban waste as a resource to address rural poverty. Internships at Goonj involve participating in logistics, outreach programs, and community engagement activities.

(iv) Smile Foundation: Smile Foundation provides internships in areas such as education, healthcare, livelihood, and women empowerment. Interns can gain experience in project implementation, fundraising, and volunteer management.

(v) Save the Children: This international NGO, Save the Children offers internships in various programs aimed at improving children's lives. Interns may work on projects related to child protection, education, health, and emergency response.

(vi) Pratham: Pratham focuses on improving the quality of education in India. DU students can intern with Pratham to assist with educational programs, data analysis, and community outreach.

(vii) Make A Difference (MAD): MAD provides opportunities for students to mentor and teach underprivileged children. Interns can engage in program planning, volunteer coordination, and direct mentoring activities.

(viii) Uday Foundation: Uday Foundation offers internships in areas such as health, education, and disaster relief. Interns may participate in field activities, awareness campaigns, and administrative support.

(ix) Centre for Social Research (CSR): CSR works on gender justice and women's rights. Interns can assist with research, advocacy, and program implementation.

(x) Greenpeace India: Greenpeace offers internships in environmental activism and advocacy. Interns can work on campaigns related to climate change, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation.

4.Government Internships

These internships provide exposure to government functioning and policy-making processes.

(i) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internships: DU students can apply for internships with the MEA, which offers opportunities to work on diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations projects. Interns may assist with research, policy analysis, and administrative tasks.

(ii) Lok Sabha Internship Program: The Lok Sabha Secretariat offers internship opportunities for students interested in parliamentary processes and legislative research. Interns can work on research assignments, report preparation, and legislative analysis.

(iii) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Internships: The MoEFCC offers internships focused on environmental policy, conservation projects, and climate change research. Interns may assist with policy formulation, data collection, and project management.

(iv) Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Internships: MHRD internships provide opportunities to work on educational policy, program implementation, and research projects aimed at improving the education system in India.

(v) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Internships: The RBI offers internships for students interested in banking, finance, and economic policy. Interns can work on research projects, data analysis, and policy evaluation.

(vi) Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) Internships: MWCD internships involve working on projects related to women's empowerment, child welfare, and social development. Interns may assist with program implementation, research, and advocacy efforts.

(vii) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Internships: NHRC offers internships where students can work on human rights research, policy analysis, and case studies. Interns may participate in field visits, report preparation, and awareness campaigns.

(viii)  NITI Aayog Internships: NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of the Indian government, offers internships where students can work on policy research, data analysis, and project implementation in various sectors.

(ix) Ministry of Finance Internships: DU students can apply for internships with the Ministry of Finance, where they can work on economic policy research, financial analysis, and budget preparation.

DU organizes internship fairs where multiple organizations set up stalls and offer on-the-spot internship opportunities. These fairs are advertised on the university’s website and through student networks. Students can apply for internships through the university’s placement cell or directly through the organization’s website. It typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and sometimes attending an interview. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the internship and organization. Generally, students are required to have a minimum GPA and relevant academic background.

Conclusion

To derive maximum benefit from a Delhi University internship, a student should be quite well prepared in advance and be very participatory, open to learning something new, and ready for changes. The internship turns to be life-changing in case one sets absolutely crystal clear goals for oneself, overcame obstacles with perseverance, and developing one's talents. One can avail of the maximum benefit from a number of resources and support programs available through DU that set one up for professional success. For more updates and tips, tune in to DU Student Helper on Instagram on how to make the most out of your university life.

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